The Heart of the Shepherd: To Protect, To Plead, and To Pour Out
Lectionary 51 | Year C | Good Shepherd Sunday Readings: Acts 13:14, 43–52 | Psalm 100 | Revelation 7:9, 14b–17 | John 10:27–30 May 11, 2025
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28, NIV)
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we hear Jesus speak of His personal care for the sheep. But this voice echoes through the whole story of salvation. From Abraham to Moses to Paul, and ultimately in Jesus Himself, we see what it means to be a shepherd: to protect, to plead, and to pour out one’s life for others.
First Reading – Acts 13:14, 43–52: The Promise to Abraham Goes Global
Paul preaches in the synagogue, proclaiming the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham: that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed. When many Gentiles respond with joy, the Jewish leaders grow jealous. But Paul does not flinch—he pleads boldly for them and then turns to the Gentiles with open arms.
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:47)
This is the shepherd’s instinct, to pursue the lost sheep wherever they may be found. Paul steps into the same stream that began with Abraham, Moses, and the prophets: calling people home to God.
Abraham: Pleading for Mercy (Genesis 18)
“What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.” (Genesis 18:32, NIV)
Before there was a law, a temple, or a priesthood, there was a man who walked with God and dared to speak boldly to Him, not for himself, but for others. Abraham interceded for the wicked cities, pleading with God’s justice and mercy on behalf of the righteous few. He models a shepherd who does not abandon the lost, even when they are far gone
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Moses: Willing to Be Blotted Out (Exodus 32)
“But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” (Exodus 32:32)
Centuries after Abraham, Moses stood in the breach. Israel had broken the covenant, and God offered to start over. But Moses refused. He chose solidarity over self-preservation. Like a shepherd who would rather be wounded with the sheep than live apart from them, Moses was willing to give everything for the sake of their restoration.
Paul: Sharing the Heart of the Lamb (Romans 9)
“I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people.” (Romans 9:3)
In this week’s reading from Acts, we see Paul’s love for the Gentiles. But his heart breaks for Israel. Like Moses, he aches for the people who have turned away. His longing is Christ-shaped formed by the cross and the shepherd who lays down His life.
Gospel – John 10:27–30: The Voice of the Good Shepherd
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28, NIV)
This is the culmination. In Jesus, all the pleadings and offerings of the shepherds who came before find their fulfillment. He protects, pleads, and pours out His very life, not symbolically, but truly. He is the Shepherd who became the Lamb.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: We Are the Sheep of His Pasture
“Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)
This psalm echoes with joy and belonging. It’s the voice of the flock secure in the care of the Shepherd, not because they never strayed, but because the Shepherd came after them.
Second Reading – Revelation 7:9, 14b–17: The Lamb Becomes the Shepherd
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17)
Here the Shepherd is also the Lamb. The one who poured Himself out is now the one who leads multitudes from every tribe and tongue. The promise made to Abraham is fulfilled in Christ, and the people of every nation stand before God—not because they were perfect, but because the Shepherd called them by name.
The Pattern of the Shepherd
Every reading this Sunday shows us the same pattern:
The Shepherd protects His sheep, pleads for their lives, and pours out His own life that they may live.
This is the heart of God. It is the voice we hear in Jesus, and the voice we are called to follow.